Signaling device



June 6, 1944i. G. BLAIR 2,350,717

SIGNALING' DEVICE Filed April 25, 1942 llll George 'B/ajr Patented June 6, 1944 UNIED ST r'rsur OFFICE Z Claims.

This invention relates to signaling devices, particularly to those pyrotechnic devices used as dis- .tress signals to attract rescuers.

For many years pyrotechnic devices of various sorts have been used as distress signals to attract rescuers, particularly at sea. These have taken many forms and some of them have been generally accepted and successfully used for their designed purpose, Among those which have been popular is the Very pistol which is in the form of a firearm, and discharges a cartridge which sends up a luminous projectile or rire-ball. These pistols are expensive, large and heavy, as compared to my device, and for those reasons are not adapted to the use for which my device is particularly designed.

Ship sinkings at sea as the result of enemy action have occurred frequently during the past two years. In this type of sinking it has frequently been the case that lifeboats and rafts have been rendered unusuable as the result of shell-lire, etc. As a result, large numbers of survivors are forced to depend solely on their lifebelts, or pieces of wreckage, etc., to keep them afloat. Such survivors have no means of navigation and must depend upon rescue by surface vessels or seaplanes.

However, in order to be rescued, these survivors must be found by the rescue vessel. This is diicult because the survivors are of such small size, compared with a lifeboat or a raft, that they cannot be easily spotted, either from surface craft or from aircraft. Very often th-ey are visible to surface craft only for brief instants, due to waves which cut them off from view, and even though a rescue vessel may find a number of such survivors in one vicinity, there are others which have become separated from the group due to currents and tides. Many times these separated survivors have seen the rescue vessels which were searching for them, and have not been seen by the vessels, many lives being: lost as a result.

Aircraft have been used to locate such survivors and to direct vessels to them. The problem here is not simplified, because due to the small size of the single survivors they are very difficult to spot from a relatively fast moving aircraft. One tried expedient has been to furnish passengers with f vials of dyes which they release when they are in the water. The dyes spread over the surface and make a larger object intended to be more easily seen. This has been found to be of little assistance since the dye is dissipated quickly "i and frequently is not distinguishable from the water itself, due to haze, reiiection, etc.

Very pistols are large, cumbersome, and expensive, and it is impractical either for everyone to carry one, or to manufacture a sufficient number to furnish to everyone.

However, pyrotechnic devices are probably the most successful type of distress signals because of the fact that they are visible for great distances and because they immediately catch the eye and arrest the attention of an observer.

Accordingly, it is the maior object of my invention to provide a distress signal of the pyrotechnic type that is small in size, light in weight, and easily operated. It may be made at very low cost. Compared to a Very pistol, which ordinarily weighs about four and one-half pounds, my device, in a size using a ten gauge size cartridge, weighs but one-half pound when loaded. Its cost is about 15% of the cost of a Very7 pistol.

It is another important object of my invention to provide a distress signal of simplified construction, of such size that several may ce carried by one person without inconvenience.

It is another object of my invention to provide a-distress signal which may be carried in complete safety when loaded, so that it is immediately available for use whenever needed.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a pyrotechnic type distress sienal comprising a cartridge and discharge means wherein the discharge means is not much lamer than the'cartridge and is of such low cost that it may be discarded together with the used cartridge.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a discharge means for a pyrotechnic cartridge, wherein a closure and firing device retains the cartridge in a barrel and is operable to discharge the cartridge.

' Another object of my invention is the provision of a pyrotechnic signaling device which is hand operated by pulling a firing pin against the action of a spring and releasing it to explode the pyrotechnic signal.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a pyrotechnic sienaling device of small size adaptable to be carried about the person, and a safety device to prevent accidental discharge thereof.

Another object of my invention .is the iurovisioo` of a pyrotechnic distress signal-inc device which is easily operated and unaffected by submergence in water.

Further objects of the invention will anp-ear as the description proceeds in connection with the from the end opposite from the open barrel lshownin Figure 2.

appended claims and the annexed drawing wherein:

Figure 1 is a side View of ing device.

vFigure 2 is an end view. of the device, looking y towardthe open end of the barrel, and with Vthe cartridge removed. Y

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken in the plane Y 3-'-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is asectional view of the device, taken Vin' the plane 4-.-4"of Figure 2 andshowing the Y cartridge in place in the barrel.

the complete signalt striker 33 from hitting the explosive cap. This Vmeans takes the form loi a device to keep the ring pin from moving to its cap-engaging position, except when it is'desired to send up a signal. The device comprises a split pin 36 of resilient metal.- -The splitl pin is of such conguration that it slips over the firing pin Y3| and grasps it due to the spring tension in the pin itself. As shown in Figurey, the pin `has twov integral but opposed Figure 5 is an end view of the device as selenI 1 As best shown in Figure 4 my device vcomprises a holder II in the formV of a cylindrical barrel.`

end

One end is open. The Vother'end is enlarged as i *i at I2 and has interior threads I3 which terminate adjacent aninternal radial wall I4. The exterior wall may be knurled as at 43 and 44. Y Y

A cartridge I 5 is located within the barrel. This cartridge is similar in externalappearance to a shotgun shell, and mayY assume any convene y tional form. That illustrated includes side walls IE and a metallic base I1 having a larger diameter than the rest of the cartridge to form a projecting flange I8. When inserted within the barrel of the holder I I the flange I8 of the cartridge rests against the internal radialV wall I4 of the holder. Y

A closure and ring device designated generally by YI9 clamps the cartridge in the holder and closes the enlarged end ofthe holder'barrel.

. As best shown in Figure 4, the closure and ring device comprises a cylindrical tubeZi terminating at one end in an inwardly directed radial flange .22 having a central opening 23. At

the otherend of tube 2| is an exterior ilange v24 v l which has a force fit on the tube ZI.

may be otherwise attached to tube 2| or may be integral therewith. The flange 24 has external threads 25 which engage the internal threads 'I3'-V of theV holder, and the radial portion 23 of the flange clamps the flange I8 of the cartridge against the radial wall I4 of the holder.

' A lug 21 may be attached or riveted to flange 24 as by a portion passing Vthrough the ang'e and riveted asat 2B. Lug 21 providesa thumb or finger abutment which isuseful when screwing the ange 24 of firing device I9 against the cartridge or when removing it by hand.

The cartridge I5is provided with an Vexplosive cap 29 in its base similar to the cap in a shotgun shell. Y

Within the cylindrical tube 2| of the closure I9 is agnring pin 3I. At oneend the ring pin is Vvriveted oryotherwise attached'to a' handle v'32. At the cther'end, the ring pin is provided with a pointed end orrstriker 33, and slightly back from ithe striker :it has an external ilangev 34 which Vmay have a force fit or be integral with the `.yond the radial portion 26 of the ange 24, andv into the body of the explosive cap 29'of'the'car-- tridge.

Flange 24 When the device isloaded with anunexploded f cartridge, means are provided to prevent the legsV which resistspreading due tospring tension. The opposed legs are spread apart attheir end portion and adjacent vtheir mid-portion. When slipped over the ring pin the split pin resiliently engages the firing pin so that it will not ordinarily be dislodged. To provide a grip for pulling the split pin oi from the firing pin, achain or cord 31Y is passed through the loop formed by the closedY endof the split pin. The thickness of thesplit pin spaces the handle 32 from the flange 22 byV an amount sufcient to prevent the striker 33 from hitting the cap 29- ofv the cartridge. When Y.it isdesired to' useV the signalingr device,

the split .pin is easily removed by a quickp'ully onthe chainV 31. Y

VThe cartridge is inserted into the barrel Ywhen the closure and firing device are removed from their'threaded engagementvwith the holder or barrel II. In external appearance thecartridge' is similar to that of the usual shotgun shell. The

cartridge is charged with an explosiveV 38 which is ignited by the explosion of the cap 29. TheeX-f plosive 38 is the propellant for the pyrotechnic composition missile shown at 39 which is advantageously sealedY within the cartridge by 'awall member 4I. The free end of the cardboard wall of the cartridge may be turnedinward to yform a flange 42. l Y

The missile 39 is a charge Yofi pyrot'echniccorn.-`v positionY which isignited as it leaves the cartridge and will burn with a bright light when traveling through the air, in the same manner andrvhaving the same general appearance as a fireball from a Roman candle. A smoke producing compound may'also be included in the material *forming 'the missile. The smoke 'producedwill generally re-jf tirneafter the"Y main in the air for a considerable light has burned out. Y

In the case of a ten gauge cartridge', tlie're-l ball Vor missile Vwill be thrown vertically about one hundred feet and will remain lighted for about three seconds. lThis is a 'suicientfle'ngth of. time to catch'the eye of Van observer even y though he may not be looking for distress signals at the time. qThe cartridge itself is entirely wa-f terproofed in any desired manner, asfby a paraf# ln seal, so that submergence infwater Willfnot affect its-performance.

To. dischargefthe cartridge to givey a signal the looped cord is jerked to remove the ,splitpinsafety device. Then the barrel ispointed upfl wards,'orin theY desired direction. vThe'lfiandle 32 is pulled back to thev dotted line position shown in Figure 4, and then quickly released. Y. The spring 35 snaps the firing pin back and the striker 33 hits `the cap 29a hard blow to discharge the cartridge. There is substantially noV recoiLand the operator grasps the barrel I I in'one handand the handle 32 'withl the other when sending a signal. y y Y The devicenis of such compact design, light,

Weight, and small dimensions 4that v a `person may carry-several of them without inconveni-V ience. Since they occupy only little morerroom than the cartridges themselves, it is customary to load them with cartridges on board ship or at a shore station, rather than carrying one gun and several spare cartridges as is done When the heavier and more expensive Very pistol is used.

Also, in view of their loW cost, light Weight, and compact design, it is entirely practical for every person on a ship to have one or more of the devices so that, if the ship is sunk, those surviving will each have an individual distress signal which he can use to attract rescuers. This will stop the failure to nd single oating survivors Who in a great many instances have been lost due to their separation from larger groups, and thus cannot be seen. A number of the devices can be carried by inflatable life rafts and by life boats. In the case of aircraft, their small size and weight makes them particularly advantageous since they willV form part of the plane safety equipment which is used in the event of crash or forced landings. The signaling devices will be used to attract searchers to the scene of the crash, or to inflated rubber life boats which are used by the surviving crew members and passengers in the event of crash or forced landings at sea. My device has proved so successful in tests that a large number have been ordered by the United States Navy Department.

It is also possible to make my device in smaller sizes to use blank cartridges of twenty-two caliber size for example. It would then provide a very cheap device to replace the blank pistols used to signal the start of foot races, etc.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms Without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A signal shell ring device comprising a first tube adapted to receive a standard signal shell; a second tube smaller than said rst tube; a firing pin and a pin actuating compression spring in said second tube, said pin projecting from the rear end of said second tube; a knob on the rear end of said ring pin for manually retracting said pin to compress said spring and for providing an abutment cooperating with the rear end of said second tube to restrain said ring pin against passing through said tube; a closure for said first tube on the end of said second tube oppositeY said knob; meansfor releasably locking said tubes together in coaxial end to end relationship with an end of said rst tube closed by said closure member on said second tube and the rim of a signal shell clamped between the end of said first tube and said closure; and a releasable safety stop member normally interposed between said knob and the rear end of said second tube to prevent accidental ring of said device, said stop member being manually movable to release said knob for firing said device.

2. A signal shell ring device as dened in claim 1, wherein the exterior of said rst tube is roughened to provide a hand grip, the arrangement being such that said retraction of said pin preliminary to ring the device requires a manual force to be exerted on the device opposite to the force of recoil, and releasing the knob to re the device releases said manual force to produce a recoil neutralizing condition.

GEORGE BLAIR. 

